10 May 2004
BAE Systems celebrates the opening of the newly upgraded Semiconductor Technology Center (STC), and its 25th anniversary May 10 at its facility in Manassas, Virginia. The STC renovations, completed in less than two years, were supported by the Department of Defense (DoD) Accelerated Radiation Hardened Microelectronics Program. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), in partnership with Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III Program Office, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, manages the overall program.
The STC upgrade consisted of two co-ordinated projects. The first, managed by DTRA, established the complex semiconductor fabrication process. The second project, a partnership between the DPA Title III Program and BAE Systems, upgraded the tools and equipment that run the processes and fabricate the radiation-hardened chips.
This event highlights the teamwork between government and industry as we improve the performance of radiation-hardened technology toward better performance, said George Nossaman, director, Space Communications Systems and Electronics for BAE Systems at Manassas.
U.S. national security is increasingly dependent on space systems. Communications networks, surveillance capabilities and navigation systems rely heavily on satellites. At BAE Systems, we are currently working on the next generation of radiation-hardened microelectronics that are ten times more capable than even their most recent predecessors. This will help ensure that satellites launched over the next decade survive the radiation environment of space and meet U.S. national security needs, he added.
BAE Systems has a long history of providing radiation-hardened solutions for U.S. space programs. As an example, the RAD6000 computer installed on each of the Mars Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, is the only control and data computer. RAD6000 computers were used to execute flight, landing and are now in exploration operations on Mars.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company employs more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of more than 12 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.
BAE Systems North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 25,000 people who live and work in some 30 states, the District of Columbia, and the United Kingdom. The company is dedicated to solving its customers needs with highly innovative and leading edge solutions across the defence electronics, systems, information technology, and services arenas.
BAE Systems Information & Electronic Warfare Systems employs 5,700 people at 11 major facilities in eight states. The business unit is a major producer of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance and intelligence systems for all branches of the armed forces. Other major business areas include microwave, mission and space electronics; infrared imaging; and automated mission planning systems.
DTRAs Mission:
DTRA safeguards America's interests from weapons of mass destruction (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high explosives) by controlling and reducing the threat and providing quality tools and services for the warfighter.
